ESPNStar to cash in on Champions Trophy, Champions League T20

Sports broadcaster ESPNStar is set to cash in on two upcoming cricket events -- ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa and the Champions League T20 in India - expecting a total advertising revenue of about Rs 500 crore.

According to industry sources, the broadcaster is aiming about Rs 225 crore advertising revenue from the 15 matches to be played during the Champions Trophy, which begins on September 22 and ends on October 5, charging about Rs 2 lakh for a ten-second spot.

"Also, ESPNStar is likely to earn about Rs 275 crore from the Champions League T20 cricket to be held in India from October 8-23," a source said.

ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd Managing R C Venkateish declined to comment but said most of the advertisers and sponsors have "shared the enthusiasm of the company".

"We have already sold out 80 per cent of the inventory for Champions Trophy and there will be 160 ad spots of 30 seconds each in the entire tournament," he said.

Already eight sponsors, including Maruti Suzuki India, Samsung, Bajaj Auto and Tata Motors, have been signed up Venkateish said, adding many other advertisers such as Sony, MIRC Electronics have also booked spots.

He said the broadcaster is aiming for a high viewership of the Champions Trophy as the tournament would be viewed across 180 countries.